Pages

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Bookanista Review: The Day Before, by Lisa Schroeder--AND A PREORDER GIVEAWAY!!!!

Phew--I'm so glad life has calmed down from last week. Now I can finally post the Bookanista Review I'd been planning to post last Thursday--for a book and author I am SO excited about. THE DAY BEFORE, by Lisa Schroeder.

I love the simple beauty of the cover:

And here's how the publisher describes the book:

Amber’s life is spinning out of control. All she wants is to turn up the volume on her iPod until all of the demands of family and friends fade away. So she sneaks off to the beach to spend a day by herself. Then Amber meets Cade. Their attraction is instant, and Amber can tell he’s also looking for an escape. Together they decide to share a perfect day: no pasts, no fears, no regrets. The more time that Amber spends with Cade, the more she’s drawn to him. And the more she’s troubled by his darkness. Because Cade’s not just living in the now—he’s living each moment like it’s his last.

What that doesn't tell you is that this is a verse novel--which I know some people find strange. Believe me, I get it. For the longest time I thought verse novels were super weird--I didn't understand how a book written in poems could carry the same emotional resonance of a prose novel. But then I tried one. Specifically, one of Lisa's, called I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME. I've been hooked ever since.

Yes, verse novels are different--but in an amazingly powerful way. The depth of emotion that Lisa is able to covey through her poetry is amazing. They're the kind of books you want to race through, because you want to know what's going to happen, want to read the next beautiful poem. But if you force yourself to slow down and savor every word--or, like me, read them again--you get so much more out of them. Verse novels are an experience I personally think every reader needs to try. I bet most of you will be just as addicted as I am.

I'd been counting down the days to THE DAY BEFORE pretty much from the moment Lisa announced her deal (those of you who've been following my blog know what a Lisa Schroeder fangirl I am. I did a whole Lisa Schroeder Week last year) and I am THRILLED to say that her newest book didn't disappoint.

I was so swept up in the story I couldn't put it down--even though I was staring down one of the most intense deadlines EVER. I read the whole thing in one sitting--and then immediately went back and reread all my favorite parts. It's such a simple, powerful story--and you really feel the fear and uncertainty the characters are struggling with. Even better, it's so unique. I can't think of anything else out there quite like it--and how many times can you say that about a book?

Obviously I highly, HIGHLY recommend it--so much so, I'm giving away a copy. Sadly, the ARC I read is The Bookanistas' copy, so I can't share it with you. BUT I CAN PREORDER A HARDCOVER FOR ONE OF YOU!

That's right--all you have to do is follow my blog and leave a comment on this post by 11:59 pm PDT on Saturday, May 14th. I'll choose one random winner and post their name on Sunday, May 15th. Now, I usually make my contests international, but I'm not sure how that works with the preordering thing...so just this once I'm going to limit the contest to US only. Sorry international followers!

Good luck!

For more incredible book recommendations, see what my fellow Bookanistas are talking about:

What a small world, I just met Liza at a book launch party for another author two days ago. I seriously loved I HEART YOU, YOU HAUNT ME so I'll have to check this book out as soon as it's released (or you could pre-order it for me, that would be cool too) :)

I can't understand why some people aren't fans of verse novels or don't see them as actual books--they look like they're easy to read but the authors have to write enough poems to create a compelling story and write about characters in such a way so readers can get an idea of who they are, what they want, etc.

I've only read one of Lisa's books (Chasing Brooklyn--which I LOVED! I read that book in one sitting :D) but she did everything that I mentioned before SO well. I would love to read her latest work so enter me, please! :)

Yay-I love comments! Thank you so much! (But please remember to keep your comments spoiler-free. Also, I try to keep this a happy, positive place. Friendly debate is fine, but always be kind to each other). <3

Search This Blog

This blog claims no credit for any images posted on this site unless otherwise noted. Images on this blog are copyright to its respectful owners. If there is an image appearing on this blog that belongs to you and you do not wish for it appear on this site, please E-mail with a link to said image and it will be promptly removed.